26 March 2025 Current Affairs

Collegium Clears Judge’s Transfer.

In a major development, the Supreme Court Collegium on March 24, 2025, recommended the transfer of Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, to the Allahabad High Court. This recommendation comes amid allegations involving the discovery of “sacks of burnt currency” in a gutted storeroom on his official residence premises on March 14. A three-member committee of judges is set to begin a deeper fact-finding inquiry into the allegations soon.

Key Highlights:

1. Transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma

• Date of Transfer Recommendation: March 24, 2025.
• Reason for Transfer: Following allegations of burnt currency sacks found at his residence.
• Transfer Location: From Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court.

2. Background of Allegations

• Incident Date: March 14, 2025.
• Nature of Allegations: Sacks of burnt currency found in a gutted storeroom on the premises of Justice Varma’s official residence.
• Judicial Work Withdrawn: Justice Varma was relieved of judicial work at the request of the CJI.

3. Collegium Resolution and Inquiry

• Collegium Meetings: March 20 and March 24, 2025.
• Initial Enquiry Report: Submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya on March 21, endorsing the need for a deeper probe.
• Inquiry Committee Members:

- Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu.

- Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia.

- Karnataka High Court Judge, Justice Anu Sivaraman.

4. Inquiry Details

• Nature of Probe: Deeper fact-finding inquiry into the incident.
• No Time Limit: Committee has no specific time frame and can devise its own procedure.
• Investigation Areas:

- Call details and internet protocol records.

- Background checks of security guards and High Court officials.

- Verification of video, photos, fire incident, and source of money.

- Statement of Justice Varma to be recorded.

About the Supreme Court Collegium

• Headed by: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
• Purpose: Recommends appointments, transfers, and elevation of judges in higher judiciary.
• Members Involved in this Case: Two other senior judges (names not mentioned).

This transfer and inquiry aim to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in the judiciary.

Maharastra Government Wants Comedian To Apologies For Joke.

Kunal Kamra Apology Demand: The Maharashtra government demanded an apology from comedian Kunal Kamra over a stand-up joke targeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling it a political ‘contract act.’

Vandalism and Demolition: Hours after Shiv Sena workers vandalized The Habitat studio in Mumbai where Kamra performed, the BMC demolished an allegedly illegal structure outside the studio.

Legal and Political Fallout: FIRs were filed, 12 Shiv Sena workers were arrested and released on bail, and political leaders across parties debated the limits of free speech and expression.

Systematic Brief:

1. Government Action and Reaction

• Maharashtra government accused Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde and called for his apology.
• CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized Kamra’s actions, stating that freedom of expression cannot become “arbitrariness.”
• BMC demolished an allegedly illegal structure outside Habitat studio.
• FIR registered under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2) of the BNS at MIDC Police Station.

2. Vandalism by Shiv Sena Workers

• 12 Shiv Sena members, including social media in-charge Rahool Kanal, vandalized the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar where Kamra’s show was performed.
• All arrested workers were released on bail within hours.
• Shiv Sena leaders condemned Kamra’s joke as vulgar and demanded legal action.

3. Political Response

• Shiv Sena UBT and Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, arguing that calling a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) a ‘gaddar’ was not an insult.
• Congress and AAP criticized the government for failing to uphold law and order, emphasizing that criticism is part of democracy.
• Congress leader Atul Londhe condemned the vandalism and stressed that violence undermines democratic principles.

4. Habitat Studio Shutdown

• Habitat studio announced temporary closure citing threats to safety and vandalism.
• The management clarified that they only provide a platform for artists and do not endorse the views of performers.

5. Kunal Kamra’s Stand

• Kamra refused to apologize and shared a photograph holding a copy of the Constitution on Instagram.
• He criticized the government’s intolerance towards dissent and satire.

Background on Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression in India

1. Constitutional Basis:

• Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
• Reasonable Restrictions: Under Article 19(2), this right is subject to reasonable restrictions for reasons like public order, defamation, and sovereignty of India.

Famous Cases on Freedom of Speech in India:

1. Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950)

• One of the first landmark cases where the Supreme Court struck down a Madras government order banning the circulation of a journal, establishing that freedom of speech is vital to democracy.

2. Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India (1973)

• The court held that any action that restricts freedom of speech indirectly by controlling the press violates Article 19(1)(a).

3. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

• The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, stating it was unconstitutional for being too broad and vague, and thus restricting free speech on the internet.

4. S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989)

• The court reiterated that speech and expression can only be curtailed if it poses a direct and imminent threat to public order.

5. K.A. Abbas v. Union of India (1970)

• The case highlighted that film censorship should balance artistic freedom with the state’s obligation to prevent obscenity and hate speech.

The case of Kunal Kamra now joins the ongoing debate on the limits of freedom of speech and expression in India.

10000 TB Samples Genome Sequencing Completed.

On World TB Day 2025 (March 24), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the successful completion of 10,000 genome sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, marking a major milestone in India’s fight against tuberculosis. This achievement under the Dare2eraD TB program (Data Driven Research to Eradicate TB) is expected to revolutionize TB diagnosis, improve drug resistance prediction, and help India achieve its target of eliminating TB five years ahead of WHO’s 2030 goal.

Key Highlights:

1. Genome Sequencing Milestone

• Completion of 10,000 Genome Sequences: The genome sequencing of 10,000 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is part of India’s ambitious goal to eradicate TB by 2025.
• Role of Dare2eraD TB Program: Launched on March 24, 2022, this initiative focuses on data-driven research and aims to sequence 32,000 TB isolates to identify drug resistance mutations and enhance treatment outcomes.
• Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium: Led by DBT, CSIR, ICMR, and top clinical institutions, this initiative is aimed at using genomic data to predict drug resistance and accelerate TB diagnosis.

2. Impact of Genome Sequencing on TB Diagnosis and Treatment

• Faster and Accurate Diagnosis: Genome sequencing reduces the time to identify drug resistance and tailor treatments from weeks to mere hours or days.
• Precision Medicine: Enables personalized treatment regimens, minimizing the risk of treatment failure or relapse.

3. Whole-of-Nation and Public Participation Approach

• Government Strategy: Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts involving science, government, and public participation to ensure the success of TB eradication.
• Community Engagement: He highlighted the need for raising awareness and involving communities to tackle TB as a societal challenge.

4. Scientific Advancements and Global Leadership

• Phenotypic vs. Genomic Diagnostics: While traditional phenotypic tests and M. tuberculosis cultures are still gold standards, genome sequencing provides more rapid and precise drug resistance insights.
• Scaling Innovations: Dr. Singh called for embedding these technologies into real-world implementation, stressing that socioeconomic disparities must not hinder their adoption.

5. Policy Implications and Future Goals

• TB Surveillance Strengthening: Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT, emphasized that the genomic data generated will be pivotal for strengthening India’s TB surveillance and diagnostic capabilities.
• Vision for TB-Free India: With India carrying a significant share of the global TB burden, continued investment in research and innovation could help achieve a TB-free India by 2025.

6. Participation of Key Leaders

• Prominent officials such as Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (DG, CSIR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl (DG, ICMR), and Dr. M. Srinivas (Director, AIIMS) participated in the summit and underscored the importance of translational research in TB eradication.

Background on Tuberculosis (TB) and India’s Initiatives:

1. Understanding TB:

• Cause: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs.
• Global Burden: India accounts for 27% of the world’s TB cases, making it a major focus of global eradication efforts.
• Challenges: High disease burden, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), stigma, and delayed diagnosis have hindered progress in eliminating TB.

2. Government of India’s Key Initiatives:

a. National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2025

• Aims to achieve a TB-free India by 2025, five years ahead of the WHO’s 2030 target.
• Focuses on four strategic pillars: Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build (DTPB).

b. Dare2eraD TB Program (2022)

• Launched to leverage data-driven research to eradicate TB.
• Includes the InTGS Consortium to sequence 32,000 TB isolates and improve drug resistance detection.

c. Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)

• Provides ₹500/month to TB patients to ensure nutritional support during treatment.

d. TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

• Focuses on generating awareness, community participation, and mobilizing resources for TB prevention and treatment.

e. AI-Powered Nikshay Ecosystem

• A technology-driven platform to monitor TB patients, ensuring real-time data collection and monitoring of treatment outcomes.

3. Landmark Achievements:

• Nikshay Mitra Initiative: Engages community volunteers to support TB patients.
• Expansion of Molecular Diagnostics: Widespread use of GeneXpert machines for rapid TB and drug resistance detection.
• Universal DST (Drug Susceptibility Testing): Ensures all diagnosed TB patients receive appropriate treatment.

The completion of 10,000 genome sequences signals a major step in India’s ongoing efforts to defeat TB and improve public health outcomes by ensuring faster, more accurate, and personalized treatment options.

Maiden India - Africa Naval Exersise IOS Sagar.

In response to China’s growing influence in Africa, piracy threats, and disruptions by Houthi rebels, the Indian Navy is strengthening maritime cooperation with African nations and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through two major initiatives - Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) and Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar.

Key Initiatives:

1. Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

• Multinational Exercise: To be held in mid-April 2025 at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania with 10 African countries.
• Co-Hosts: Indian Navy and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).
• Participants: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania.
• Phases:

- Harbour Phase: Table-top and command post exercises on piracy, seamanship training, and visit board search and seizure (VBSS).

- Sea Phase: Seamanship evolutions, Search and Rescue (SAR), VBSS, small arms firing, and helicopter operations.

• Inauguration: By Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

2. Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative

• Deployment of INS Sunayna: From April 5 to May 8, 2025, with a combined Indian and 44-member foreign crew.
• Countries Participating: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
• Port Calls: Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male.
• Joint Surveillance: Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
• Training in Kochi: Two-week training for foreign personnel in wholeship activities and watchkeeping.
• AIKEYME Observation: IOS Sagar participants will witness the Harbour Phase of AIKEYME.

Strategic Objectives:

• MAHASAGAR Initiative: Enhances security and cooperation in the IOR.
• Building Capacity: Joint training, surveillance, and information sharing.
• Strengthening India’s Role: Reinforces India as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the region.

India-Africa Relations Overview:

1. Historical and Diplomatic Ties

• Deep Roots: Centuries-old trade and cultural ties.
• Political Solidarity: Support for African liberation and decolonization.

2. Economic and Trade Relations

• Growing Trade: India-Africa trade surpassed $100 billion in 2023.
• Investments: Focus on energy, agriculture, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
• Lines of Credit: Over $12 billion for African development projects.

3. Maritime and Security Cooperation

• Anti-Piracy Operations: Ongoing efforts in the Gulf of Aden.
• Defense Partnerships: Training and capacity building.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Strengthened through patrols and information sharing.

Revision of Investment turnover criteria of  MSME’s.

Introduction:

The Government of India has revised the investment and turnover criteria for classifying Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), effective from April 1, 2025. The new limits aim to encourage growth and expand the scope of MSMEs by increasing their eligibility thresholds.

Key Revisions:

1. Micro Enterprises

• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore.
• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

2. Small Enterprises

• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore.
• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore.

3. Medium Enterprises

• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore.
• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.

Rationale Behind Changes:

• Budget Announcement: The changes align with the proposal made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech.
• Growth and Expansion: The revised limits are expected to boost MSME growth by allowing larger enterprises to benefit from MSME status.

ICRA Report On Investment Capital.

India’s private capital expenditure (capex) as a share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has dropped to a 10-year low of 33% in FY2024, as per a report by ICRA. While listed companies have increased their capex, a decline in investments by unlisted entities has slowed overall private sector capital investments.

Key Highlights:

1. Decline in Private Capex Share

• Private capex fell to 33% of GFCF in FY2024, its lowest in a decade.
• Listed companies increased capex by 28% in FY2023 and 12% in FY2024.
• Unlisted entities scaled back investments, causing the overall slowdown.

2. GFCF and Its Growth Trend

• GFCF accounts for 30% of India’s nominal GDP and is the second-largest component after private final consumption expenditure.
• GFCF grew at a 10% CAGR from FY2015 to FY2024, but slowed to 9% in FY2024, compared to 20% in FY2023.

3. Government and Household Contributions

• Government capex and household real estate investments supported GFCF growth.
• Private capex growth remained subdued despite increased cash flow post-Covid.

4. Sector-wise Capex Leaders

• Leading sectors in private investments: oil & gas, power, automobiles, iron & steel, and telecom.
• Post-Covid, improved corporate cash generation led to higher cash flow to capex ratio of 1.6 times in FY2024, reducing corporate debt (gearing ratio fell to 0.9 times from 1.1 times in FY2014).

5. Importance of Private Capex Revival

• Unlisted entities account for a larger share of private capex, making their revival crucial to boosting overall private investments.

Basics of Capital and Revenue Expenditure:

1. Capital Expenditure (Capex):

• Definition: Spending on acquiring, upgrading, and maintaining physical assets such as buildings, machinery, equipment, and technology.
• Purpose: Long-term benefits, capacity enhancement, and growth.
• Examples: Infrastructure projects, machinery purchase, factory expansion.

2. Revenue Expenditure:

• Definition: Spending on day-to-day operations and maintenance that does not result in asset creation.
• Purpose: Ensures smooth functioning and sustains current operations.
• Examples: Salaries, rent, raw material purchases, maintenance costs.

Quick Bits  -